Proposed CAFE Rules No Substitute for Comprehensive Climate Change Policy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Bush administration today proposed new regulations to strengthen fuel efficiency standards under the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, putting U.S. cars and light trucks on track toward meeting the bill 35 mpg target for 2020.
Today’s proposed corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) regulations represent only one step toward a national policy to protect the climate and ensure lasting energy security.
“Only a mandatory cap on greenhouse gas emissions will reverse the growth in global warming pollution, spur innovative solutions and and address America’s still rising dependence on fossil fuel,” said John DeCicco, senior fellow for automotive strategies at Environmental Defense Fund.
Most scientists say the U.S. needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 80 percent by the middle of the century to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. Legislation set for a vote in the Senate in early June, the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (S. 2191), would put the country on that path by capping and reducing emissions across the economy.
“What’s missing is a comprehensive solution that will unleash innovation and require other parties — such as the petroleum industry — to contribute a fair share of emissions reductions, both in the transportation sector and across the economy. Today’s proposal, though progress against the past, would not even return global warming pollution to current levels,” DeCicco said.
###
About Environmental Defense Fund
A leading national nonprofit organization, Environmental Defense Fund represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Latest press releases
-
New Poll: Republicans, Democrats and Independents Strongly Oppose Weakening Chemical Safety Law
October 27, 2025 -
Court Rules New York Must Implement State Climate Law and Deliver Swift Action
October 24, 2025 -
EDF Goes to Court to Help Defend California Climate Risk Reporting Laws That Protect People from Financial Damage
October 24, 2025 -
Oregon Water Partnership Applauds Gov. Kotek’s Executive Order to Promote Resilience of Communities and Natural Working Lands and Waters
October 23, 2025 -
Community, Health and Environmental Groups Sue to Stop President Trump’s Unlawful Toxic Air Pollution Exemptions
October 22, 2025 -
Emerging Farm Resiliency Practice Provides Significant Farm-Level and Public Benefits, New Report from EDF
October 21, 2025